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Originally Posted by Son of Númenor
With the Silm, I always feel it would be trite to do a traditional literary analysis -- in a sense, I have too much respect for J.R.R. Tolkien to posit an overarching thesis, however superficially demonstrable, about the nature of the work or a character therein.
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Interesting point.
I think I'd start with Letters, choose some of the statements that TOlkien made himself about his own intent regarding the stories, and then discuss whether (and to what extent) I thought he fulfilled his own hopes. That may or may not be an appropriate approach.
I can imagine Bethberry in apoplexy at the very idea.
But I don't think Tolkien would mind.
[edit] Some (especially in the Elvish forum) woiuld point out that in the Sil, I would be pointing out whether Christopher succeeded in reaching his father's aims; at which point I would have to bow to their loremastery. But I'd still write my own paper about my own (limited) point of view.
One more point: however you tackle it, and however you finish it, you will have learned a lot about the Sil. There are much worse ways to spend your time.
If you don't have a copy of Letters, check the library and see if they can order it for you. Or buy it...